Kidney disease decisions — 2010

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, prostate disorder, skin disorder, heart disorder, and kidney disorder. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected progressive small lymphocytic lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which were linked to his exposure to hazardous materials at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station during service. As a result, the claim for DIC benefits is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's alcoholism, which was a cause of his death from liver failure and other conditions, was aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause his death, and thus denied service-connected burial benefits.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's death to his service, and denied both the cause of death claim and the DIC claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and a cardiovascular disorder, finding that there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other factors linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for entitlement to special monthly pension based upon the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as she is able to perform daily activities independently.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition or a condition that is proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise, and service connection for a kidney disorder currently manifested by chronic renal insufficiency is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional medical examinations and further review of his service connection requests.

The Board found that the Veteran's current renal disorder is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for a genitourinary disorder, including kidney and urinary bladder diverticulitis, are part of the already service-connected claim for prostate cancer with urethral stricture disease and prostatitis. The issue is dismissed as there remains no allegation of fact or law to decide.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a kidney disorder has not been presented. The Veteran did not submit any evidence indicating he had a current kidney disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic kidney disease is being remanded to the RO for further review of new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's renal cancer may be associated with his duty at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. However, the Board finds that a VA clinical opinion is needed to determine if there is a 50 percent or greater probability of causation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left kidney nephrectomy and its residuals were caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed bilateral kidney disability and bilateral foot disability. The claims are not currently decided on service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of asbestosis, a left hand disability, or kidney stones. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran is seeking special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. However, the VA needs to provide an adequate opinion regarding whether he is in need of regular aid and attendance from another person.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss disability, tinnitus, hypertension, renal disease, and psychiatric disorder are not related to service. The preponderance of evidence shows these conditions were first manifested many years after service.